Becks: I nearly cried over Champions League draw

David Beckam almost cried at the prospect of facing Manchester United following the draw for the last 16 of the Champions League earlier this month. Beckham, who left United in 2003, will return to Old Trafford for the first time when AC Milan play United in February. Backham is on-loan at Milan from LA Galaxy for the rest of the season.

“When I first heard about the tie I think I almost cried because it is such a special place for me,” Beckham said.

“I would like to progress further in the competition and, of course, when you come up against a club that you support and a club you have spent so many great years at and where you have still got so many friends at the club, those things are always difficult, but it’s a nice problem to have.

“I’ve not returned to Old Trafford as a player in seven years. I miss it every day; I miss being a Manchester United player, I miss the club, I miss the fans and friends at the club. So it is always going to have a special place in my heart.

“To return as an AC Milan player makes it extra special, that’s the big thing for me – to return with a team like this and a club like this that has got so much history, which is the same as Manchester United, it’s such a special occasion. To be there in front of the fans and the manager and friends is going to be incredible.”

Beckham played 394 times for United between 1992 and 2003 scoring 85 goals in all competitions before being sold to Real Madrid for around £25 million. The England international joined LA Galaxy on a free transfer in 2007 but has now taken up two loan spells at AC Milan.